Etihad Airways Celebrates Major Milestones - 20 Million Passengers and 100+ Aircraft

Etihad Airways has reached historic new heights in 2025, proudly welcoming over 20 million passengers within a 12-month period and expanding its fleet to more than 100 aircraft for the first time in its history. These achievements underscore Etihad’s dynamic growth and its relentless commitment to enhancing the passenger experience.

A Record-Breaking Year for Etihad Airways

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, shared his excitement:

“The last 12 months have seen Etihad flying high, breaking records and achieving new milestones at an astonishing rate. Following a record-breaking first quarter and our highest ever customer satisfaction scores, Etihad has now welcomed more than 20 million guests in the past year, for the first time in the airline’s history.”

• Annual passenger numbers have doubled from 10 million to 20 million in just two and a half years, propelled by rising global demand and a laser-focused growth strategy.
• Etihad is experiencing the fastest growth rate in the Middle East airline sector and is determined to keep up this momentum in 2025.

To mark this remarkable milestone, Etihad surprised a couple traveling from New Delhi to Toronto to visit their daughters. Their journey was filled with luxury experiences:

• Upgraded to Business Class on the A350 from New Delhi to Abu Dhabi.
• Granted Gold tier status in the Etihad Guest program at Zayed International's First Lounge.
• Received an exclusive upgrade to The Residence, Etihad’s luxurious three-room suite, on their A380 flight to Toronto.

Their heartfelt reaction:  

“We have never travelled in Business or First before. It’s a lifetime experience – a once-in-a-lifetime achievement!”.

Fleet Expansion: 100+ Aircraft and the Youngest Fleet

By July 2025, Etihad’s operational fleet surpassed 100 aircraft, reinforcing its capacity to meet rising demand:

• Introduction of three new aircraft, including the latest Airbus A380 and a Boeing B787-9 with an all-Emirati flight crew.
• Delivery of the first of three new Airbus 350-1000s.
• 18 additional new aircraft expected by the end of 2025, including the advanced A321LR, featuring First Suites, fully lie-flat Business seats, 4K screens, and superfast Wi-Fi.

Etihad’s investment in a young, modern fleet ensures guests enjoy state-of-the-art comfort, reliability, and connectivity.

Network Growth: More Destinations, Enhanced Connectivity

• 27 new routes added in 2025, reflecting Etihad’s ambition to boost global connectivity and bring more visitors to Abu Dhabi.
• By the end of 2025, Etihad will fly to almost 90 destinations worldwide, leveraging its unique position between Europe and Asia.
• The airline’s future strategy aims for 125+ destinations, a fleet of 170+ aircraft, and 38 million annual passengers by 2030.

Etihad Airways’ rapid expansion strengthens Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a key global gateway for both passengers and cargo, supporting the emirate’s economic development and growth in the aviation sector.